Brendan Griffin
Ceist:144. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his future plans in relation to the Blasket Islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31331/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 June 2022
Ceisteanna (144)
Freagraí scríofa
The OPW’s involvement with An Blascaod Mór goes back to 1988 with Ionad an Bhlascaoid, (the Blasket Centre) being developed with assistance from the locally based voluntary group, Fondúíreacht an Bhlascaoid in 1992/3. The Centre was officially opened to public in April 1994 and the centre plays a critical role in the cultural life of Dún Chaoin and is an important facility for the local community. It is also an important heritage visitor experience, operated by OPW, which celebrates and interprets the extraordinary literary legacy of the Great Blasket and as such, it makes a significant contribution to the economic and tourism agenda in West Kerry.
At An Blascaod Mór itself, the State purchased the majority of the land holdings in 2009. The OPW has provided a very successful guide service on the island since 2013, highlighting the heritage of the island for visitors. The OPW, with assistance from Fáilte Ireland, has also restored two houses on the island, including the home of the pre-eminent Blasket author, Tomás Ó Criomhthain. Further work is currently underway with a view to the further conservation of the largely abandoned island village.
In 2020, the OPW opened a striking new ‘Viewing Platform’ at the Ionad site in Dún Chaoin, on a clifftop site overlooking the Blasket Sound. This project was funded by Fáilte Ireland and the OPW to create a unique way for visitors to experience the dramatic landscape of West Kerry. It connects with the headland walking routes which provide a safe way for visitors of all ages to enjoy the natural landscape.
As part of this strategic programme of investment with Fáilte Ireland, a project is also underway to refurbish Ionad an Bhlascaoid itself incorporating a completely reimagined interpretive exhibition of world-class standard. The centre will re-open to visitors this month.
The OPW is currently investigating options for the provision of public toilets on the island and have discussed this matter with the landowners. OPW will carry out a survey this summer to ascertain the suitability of potential locations.
Improved landing facilities where boats could embark and disembark passengers directly to the island are under consideration. This is an essential element in the sustainable management of the island from heritage, tourism, safety and environmental perspective. While ferry services are confined to licensed vessels with specific tender permits, it is not currently possible to manage access and visitor numbers to achieve a balance between sustainable tourism access and maintaining the fragile environmental balance of the island.
Kerry County Council have advised that is necessary to secure fresh planning permission for a pier at An Blascaod Mór, given that there have been significant changes in the designated status of the island and in environmental regulations in the period since the original permission was granted to Kerry County Council in 2003. This will necessitate updated environmental and other reports to support such an application, as well as the preparation of a detailed updated design for the project. The OPW continues to engage with the relevant stakeholders to consider the key challenges in undertaking this project.
The conservation and protection of An Blascaod Mór continues to be of great importance to the OPW in order to secure safe access for visitors and to protect the unique landscape of the Island into the future.